photos by Charlie McDonald (charlie.mcdonald@surewestsports.com)
by Mike Finnerty (mike.finnerty@surewestsports.com)
Coming off a 13-point loss to Archbishop Mitty, and getting ready taking on a neighborhood rival the No. 7 Franklin Wildcats Wednesday night on the home floor, there was more than enough motivation for the No. 2 Sheldon Huskies boys basketball team to come out and play with fire, and they did.
An 81-54 win by the Huskies (4-2) was sparked by defense, and an up-tempo game with double-digit scoring performances from juniors Dakarai Allen (23 points) and D'erryl Williams (19 points), and from senior Kyiron Thomas (16 points).
"We were just trying to play harder tonight," said Sheldon head coach Joey Rollings. "Against Mitty, and a couple of other losses, we haven't very shot well. I thought tonight we shot better, attacked the basket better. Free throw shooting still wasn't better, but I'll deal with it."
Both Sheldon and Franklin are separated by just 11 miles. Players have competed against each other for years, so the rivalry is big.
"It's special because I have been playing against these guys since i was in the fourth grade, it's a rivalry," said Allen of Sheldon.
The score was back and forth early, until Sheldon took over for good at 11-10 with 1:51 left in the first quarter. From there, the Sheldon lead only continued to climb as the first half wore on. A 16-11 lead after the first turned into a 42-24 lead at the half.
"Our game is transition," said Rollings. "We got to get the ball moving. We just can't stand. We have to move the ball moving."
Despite being up by 18 at the half, Sheldon went on a 13-2 to start the third, looking to avoid any second half let down.
Said Rollings, "I just told them the game starts over from here. Usually we'll come out and have that lull in the third period. lets get after it."
"We had to get back on our feet," said Allen. "We wanted a big win in front of the home crowd. We had to come out ready and intense, and that's what we did."
The loss to Archbishop Mitty was clearly a motivator for Sheldon.
"I don't think we should lose by double digits ever again," said Allen. "That's on mind mind, not losing."
It will be a busy December still to come for Sheldon with the National Prep Classic in Santa Maria (December 20-23), followed by the ESPN Holiday Classic in Torrey Pines (December 27-30).
For the Wildcats (6-1), it's their first loss of the season, and they'll resume play on Saturday when they take on Berkeley at Newark Memorial High School.